Brexit solutions - EFTA Court President presents at School of Law and Politics

This March, the School of Law and Politics hosted a most timely public lecture from Professor Carl Baudenbacher, President of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Court.

The UK’s vote to leave the European Union in the referendum on 23 June 2016 has left many questions unanswered in regard to the future relationship of the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Many options are being discussed as we move towards the triggering of Article 50 (which is set to happen on 29 March) but one which is yet to be explored is the possibility of the UK joining the European Economic Area (EEA). At present the EEA extends the EU’s Single Market to three other countries: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. These countries are simultaneously members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and are not subject to the jurisdiction of the EU’s Court of Justice, but to that of the EFTA Court.

Professor Baudenbacher’s talk, entitled “Through the looking glass: bespoke(?) Brexit solutions” discussed this idea from his vantage point as President of the court and looked at the variations of the EEA model available which could be employed by the UK, post Brexit.

Over 100 participants attended Professor Baudenbacher’s talk which was organised by the Centre for European Law and Governance, and the Centre of Law and Society. Rachel Minto, Research Associate at the Wales Governance Centre said, "This lecture made a really valuable contribution to the discussion in Wales about Brexit and the future of the UK in Europe. The negotiations are yet to begin. It's vital that the public understand the different options available."